Animation First Hosts US 'Calamity' Premiere, Adds More Events

 

In February, Animation First, America's first festival dedicated to French animation will be taking place as a virtual event for the first time. French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) have already announced most of the festival's content, including the Best Of Annecy, several work in progress sessions, and a line-up of films selected by special guest Wes Anderson.

Now FIAF have added even more events to the line-up. Animation First will host the United States premiere of Remi Chayé's Calamity (AKA Calamity Jane) on the Festival's opening night, February 5. Chayé will also be a guest of the festival and will take place in a live talk on February 6 discussing the production of the film.  The festival will also screen Chayé's previous film Long Way North.

The Festival describes Calamity:

Winner of the Crystal Award for best feature at the 2020 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Calamity Jane is based on the early life of the legendary Wild West figure. This feminist retelling shows how young Martha Jane Cannary fought against a sexist and male-dominated society to become an iconic frontierswoman.

"It's an honor to bring Calamity Jane to FIAF's Animation First," Chayé said. "As an American tale, adapted by a French filmmaker, it feels uniquely suited to receive its US Premiere at this Festival, and I look forward to discussing the years-long process of bringing it to fruition with American audiences."

Also announced is a screening of Aya Of Yop City, as part of a focus on African animation. Dr. Boukary Sawadogo,  professor of cinema studies at the City College of New York and founder of the Harlem African Animation Festival is collaborating with FIAF to curate two programs highlighting animation from or about Africa. As well as Aya, Animation First will also screen a program of shorts from filmmakers from countries including Ghana, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, and Canada.

Festival passes will cost $20 and will allow you to access the whole festival. To check out full details or buy tickets visit the FIAF website. Animation First will run from February 5- 15